10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is one of those countries that sparks something exciting within us all, even if we’re only daydreaming of it. Naked beaches, island hopping, it has a lot to offer including it’s European culture, especially in the capital of Dubrovnik alone!

Here’s a list of our 10 things to do when you’re in Dubrovnik:

1. Get walking

Take a step back in time by walking the 2km circuit of Dubrovnik’s beautiful Old Town along the ancient city walls, some parts of which date back to the 10th Century. It’s a great way to get your bearings, and offers stunning vistas of the terracotta roofs and glimmering seascape. Late afternoon is the best time, when the day is getting cooler.

2. Get sightseeing

Get your daily dose of history and culture by visiting some of the city’s many monasteries, churches and museums. You can visit the Tourist Board for more information, and also pick up a one, three or seven day Dubrovnik Card, which give you entry into many of the main sights as well as free bus rides around the city.

3. Get high

Mount Srd is so cool it doesn’t even need vowels, so get climbing! It might be 414m high, but at the top you’ll find the Imperial Fort, which was built by Napoleon in 1808 and was used by the Yugoslav-Montenegro-Serb army during the 1991 siege of Dubrovnik and is now home to the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence, not to mention some stunning panoramic views. Feeling lazy? Don’t worry, there’s also a cable car that does the trip in a speedy two minutes.

4. Get lucky

If you feel in need of some luck then just take part in the following local traditions: either touch the figures’ heads on Onofrio’s Fountain, or try to take your top off while balancing on the tiny gargoyle head jutting out of the stone wall alongside the Stradun just inside the Pile Gate – if you’re successful, legend says it means luck in love shall follow you (although the cynic in me says it’s the taking your top off in public that probably helps).

5. Get fit

Sure, looking at the Adriatic is nice – but why keep it at arm’s length? Instead, get up close and personal with the water. Take a swim, or sign up for one of the many kayaking tours in Dubrovnik. Hey, that island on the horizon is one a 30 minute paddle away…

6. Get to the islands

Kayak, hop on a boat, or sign up for an official ‘islands tour’ – either way, no visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a trip to the gorgeous islands just a stone’s throw away from the city. Mix and match between Lokrum, the Elaphite Islands and Mljet.

7. Get drunk

If you’re a wine kinda girl, take a daytrip to the Pelješac Peninsula, which is just a 40-minute drive away and is home to the country’s finest Plavac Mali wines. Did someone say “wine tour”…?

If you’re rather stay in the city, then simply settle in to watch the sunset over the Adriatic in one of the Café Buza cliff bars, which can be found clinging to the outside of the Old Town’s walls perched on precarious hidden terraces. They may not be for the faint of heart, but the view is stunning. Try not to fall off, and pay attention to the ‘No Nudists’ sign – they really mean it.

8. Get naked

As hinted above, there’s something about the waters of Dubrovnik that just invites skinny dipping. You could go rogue, but there are plenty of naturist beaches ready and waiting for you to let it all hang out. The one on the southernmost tip of Lokrum is particularly popular – just keep an eye out for passing boat trips and kayakers.

9. Get dancing

As you’d expect of a capital city, Dubrovnik is home to a buzzing nightlife scene that goes on all year round (although is particularly busy over the summer months). Most popular venues are packed into the compact Old Town, so do some research and ask around – whether it’s a wine bar, cocktail lounge, café/bar or jazz club you’re after, there’s sure to be something for you.

10. Get lost

As J R R Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost”. You should always give yourself time to take a stroll in pursuit of the unexpected. Peel off into the backstreets and see where you end up.

About Author

Leah Eades is a compulsive traveller and freelance writer, whose adventures so far include working in an Italian nightclub, contracting a mystery illness in the Amazon, studying at a Chinese university, and cycling 700km along the Danube River. She blames cheap Ryanair flights for her addiction. Having recently graduated with an English degree, she is currently based in Florence, Italy.

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